Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rational Expressions
A rational expression is a fraction where both the numerator and the denominator are polynomials. Simplifying these expressions involves factoring and reducing them to their simplest form, which can help identify any restrictions on the variable that may arise from the denominator.
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Factoring Polynomials
Factoring polynomials is the process of breaking down a polynomial into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original polynomial. This is crucial for simplifying rational expressions, as it allows us to cancel common factors in the numerator and denominator.
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Domain Restrictions
The domain of a rational expression consists of all possible values of the variable that do not make the denominator equal to zero. Identifying these restrictions is essential, as any value that causes the denominator to be zero must be excluded from the domain to ensure the expression is defined.
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